Diary: Typed Transcript, 1944

File — Box: 6, Folder: 4

Identifier: III

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Muntok Prison on Bangka Island is the scene for this third year of internment. The diary runs from 11 January to 28 December.
Throughout this year McDougall continued his work in the hospital, even after a near fatal attack of cerebral malaria. Charitas Hsopital in Palembang was closed by the Japanese when the men were moved to Muntok and the nursing sisters were interned in the Women's Camp. Because of this lack of other facilities, the reduced rations and increasing weakness of the internees, the camp hospital became more and more important. During the latter part of the year the hospital and its administration became a camp "political football" and trouble developed between two hospital factions and the Camp Committee. McDougall goes into detail over the circumstances and his feelings.
McDougall describes the increasingly poorer rations, the somewhat unpalatable prison supplements (like rats), and the increase in black market activities. He notes the greater numbers of deaths from malnutrition, beri-beri, malaria, dysentery, and tuberculosis. These conditions severely curtailed camp entertainments and study.
Even though he receives no mail in 1944, McDougall notes the deliveries and the length of time letters were in-transit. He continues to express concern over his family.
January 11, 1944, Tuesday, [page 112]
"And so--for the second time in less than two years I have gone down into the Valley of the Shadow of Death [following an attack of cerebral malaria]--and come out through the mercy of God...."
January 15, 1944, Saturday, page 112
"Weighed today--46 1/2 kilos, 102.3 pounds! Height, 1 meter 77 cent., 5'9.3"...."
February 6, 1944, Sunday, page 113
"I seem to be falling into the apathy of other Camp members as regards study. Haven't studied a bit since illness. Mental concentration becomes more and more difficult. Doctor says it's lack of proteins in diet."
March 30, 1944, Thursday, page 116
"Have gained 1 kilo since sixteenth--afraid may be water. Many men suffering oedemia account heavy starch diet unbalanced by other foods."
April 9, 1944, Easter, Sunday, page 116
"...Food quantity steadily decreasing. Beri-beri incidence increasing, especially among middle aged and elderly...."
June 19, 1944, Monday page 120
"...Seki speeched Camp saying our prospects were more work, less food. He sorry for old men and sick but Nips didn't start war. Ended by advising us not to get sick to which Camp members responded with derisive laughter..."
July 16, Sunday 1944, page 123
"...We are continually hungry now, a perpetual inner gnawing only possible to forget if so mentally occupied the hunger pangs are temporarily forgotten."
September 11, 1944, Monday, page 129
"Today wrote two postcards...Cards limited to fifty words in English, Malay or Japanese; only blue or black ink--no other colors allowed for some unknown reason, possibly prevent code..."
September 19, 1944, Tuesday, page 132
"Many letters and cards received by Camp members from Holland, Britain, Australia, South Africa, Scotland and even one from Jerusalem and Vancouver, B. C....Nothing from America for Germann and I...."
October 14, 1944, Saturday, page 135.
"One year ago today occurred first death in Muntok Camp...Today the 100th death..."
November 27, 1944, Monday, pages 139-140.
"Hospital affairs rapidly worsened until today Doctors Kramer, Kampschuur, Hollweg and Boerma 'Struck' without warning...No medicines have been dispensed or patients visited...If doctors, in such time as this, desert helpless sick and dying men they should suffer at least to have their license to practice revoked by the Dutch Government after the war."
December 10, 1944, Sunday, page 148.
"I am now typing death record forms for Japs, including a few from Women's Camp..."
December 24, 1944, Sunday, page 151.
"Germann gave me three American cigarettes he saved since the Red Cross issue for this occasion. A real Christmas present under the circumstances."
December 25, 1944, Monday, page 152.
"Rumor persists German Army surrendered but S.S. and gestapo forces still fighting in Bavaria. Also, that Manila radio (American) now broadcasting."

Dates

1944

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.